Soroptimist International of Alvin honors members at luncheon

Soroptimist International of Alvin gave out awards, grants and scholarships at its end-of-the-year luncheon June 19.

The SOIA recognized member Denise Babb as Volunteer of the Year, and Wendy Del Bello received the 2012 Woman of Distinction award. The organization also recognized the commitments of members Joan Rossano, Bobbie Briscoe Moore and Joyce Ellis at the event.

Area civic organizations benefiting women and children were awarded $7,600 in grants at the event, including Brazoria County Alcohol Recovery Center, Alvin High School Close Up, Communities in Schools, Crossover Mission, Hope Clinic, Hand in Hand Child Development Center, Thelma Ley Anderson Family of YMCA and Women’s Center of Brazoria County.

Collete Mickens received the Woman's Opportunity award, worth $500; Liz Sitta, Sheila Jones and Stacy Barrios received Returning Women awards; and the Violet Richardson scholarship was given to Chelsea Stoker along with a donation to her Hope Church service project.

The SOIA is a volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and children. Each year, the organization participates in fundraisers, such as Men Who Cook and the Serendipity Sale, to provide direct support to women and children and local support organizations.

For more information about the SOIA or to become a member, call Joan Young at 713-819-3309.